Registration for the 2012 Footballguys Players' Championship is now open. Take a shot at greatness and the $150,000 1st prize. It's the high stakes contest with the medium stakes entry fee. $350 gets you a team or buy three teams for $1,000. As always, the entire prize pool of the Footballguys Players' Championship is fully guaranteed and placed into a secured attorney escrow account where it will remain for the duration of the NFL season. All prizes will be sent to all prize winners by January 28, 2013.

Sign up for a single team by June 30th, 2012 and receive a FREE one-year subscription to Footballguys. Buy a three-team combo pack before June 30th, 2012 and you'll get a FREE three-year subscription to Footballguys.

Good Tuesday to you. Big day today as we've got a major upgrade to one of our best features - The Footballguys Depth Charts. Plus lots of news and notes to keep up with so let's get to it.

J

SITE NEWS

A.
Footballguys Depth Charts - New and Improved to include OL and Coaches
One of my favorite free features we offer at Footballguys are our depthcharts. This year, we've taken them to a new level as we're including both offensive linemen and coaches. Give them a look and let us know what you think. Thanks to our new Footballguy Staffer Matt Bitonti who's helping us with the OL. Enjoy.

Green Bay Packers DE Anthony Hargrove said in a written declaration to the NFL that he was told by St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and New Orleans Saints linebackers coach Joe Vitt to lie to the league about the Saints' bounty program in 2010 when all were members of the Saints. Hargrove lied about the existence of the program when talking with NFL investigators in 2010 like the coaches told him.

The Buffalo Bills have signed RB Fred Jackson to a multi-year contract extension. Financial terms were not disclosed.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Great news for both sides here. This deal should be front loaded since Jackson is going to be splitting time with C.J. Spiller this year. Spiller had a breadkout performance in 2011 after Jackson was lost for the season. It will be a true RBBC but remember that Jackson looked fantastic last year before a broken right fibula ended his season after 10 games.

The Dallas Cowboys are trying to offer WR Dez Bryant a more structured offseason this year as opposed to last season when they could not talk with him. The team is having Bryant focus more on football and less on his finances. Bryant has dealt with off-field issues in previous offseasons.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

This could work out in Bryant's favor. He's a tremendously talented WR but has seemed to lack focus during his short pro career. If Bryant can play up to his potential then he could be a top 5 WR in this league.

Darren Urban, from AZCardinals.com, reports second-year RB Ryan Williams is already running and cutting on his surgically repaired knee. Williams seems to be ahead of schedule in his rehab and said, "I am running and cutting and doing things I didn't think I'd be doing this early. I'm not worried about it.”

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Good news for the young RB here. Williams is an explosive player capable of carrying the load as a full time RB if called upon. This season he'll be backing up Beanie Wells, and this is a good time to buy low on Williams in dynasty leagues. Arizona didn't add a RB in the draft or free agency and is clearly counting on Williams to be at full strength in 2012.

Detroit Lions WR Ryan Broyles is expected to receive significant playing time this season because he likely will be at least the No. 3 wide receiver.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Broyles is coming back from a knee injury he sustained in October last year. He's already running but could be a candidate to start the season on the PUP list if his recovery hits a snag. We love his talent as he has great hands, is a good route runner, and is explosive after the catch.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has offered the use of his private jet to help QB Andrew Luck travel to attend workouts with teammates. Luck plans to organize throwing sessions with TE Coby Fleener and WR Austin Collie in California, and he wants to set up a trip to Miami to work with WR Reggie Wayne. 'I'll definitely use whatever means of transportation, especially if it's Mr. Irsay's stuff. Absolutely,' Luck said.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Good to see the young QB taking a leadership role so early. He can't work out at the teams facility since a rule is in place that doesn't allow rookies to work with their team until their class has graduated. Luck will get around that rule by working out on his own with his new teammates.

Dallas Cowboys running backs coach Skip Peete said RB DeMarco Murray (ankle) looked good when working out during the team's minicamp last weekend. 'He's good, we worked out last week,' Peete said. 'It was the first time we had an opportunity to go on the field with him. To me, he looks fine. He was running routes, he was doing all the drills, he's doing the workouts. At this point, he did everything we wanted him to do on the field. I know right now he can run and everything on it. Whether he can take a hit on it, I don't know.'

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Good news for the Cowboys here. Murray was on a tear last year before sustaining this ankle injury. He'll compete with Felix Jones to be the featured RB for the Cowboys.

We don't share the same opinion about Fuller but he will have a chance to make the roster as he's reunited with his former coach Mike Sherman and his former QB Ryan Tannehill. Fuller had a very poor senior season and struggled with drops and lackluster route running and effort. He's got good size, but is not a quick twitch athlete and thus gets little separation on his routes. We like sixth-round pick B.J. Cunningham to make more of an impact than Fuller.

Chicago Bears WR Brandon Marshall believes WR Devin Hester will have a big year on offense this season and thinks Hester has the skills to be a Pro Bowl receiver. 'Honestly I think he is going to have a bigger year than me this year. I just don't think he's been in an environment, a situation offensively that catered to him as a player. I think with [quarterback coach Jeremy Bates] and [QB Jay Cutler] growing and maturing, I think they will be able to put him in a better position this year to where he can probably do damage. I'm excited about everyone else, but the person I'm more excited to see is Devin,' Marshall said.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

We like Marshall's enthusiasm here but don't share the same opinion. Marshall will be the apple of QB Jay Cutler's eye again, and big play rookie WR Alshon Jeffery should have a sizable role as well. Hester could work as a speed slot WR to stretch the defense vertically.

New York Giants TE Travis Beckum (knee) said he hopes to be ready for the start of the 2012 season. 'If everything works out, yeah,' Beckum said. 'I'm just working hard and getting it healthy.' Beckum is two months removed from knee surgery and is moving without crutches, but with the help of a knee brace.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

It's nice that Beckum can recover this quickly from a knee injury. However, he's a player that has been injury prone dating back to his days in college. Beckum's and Jake Ballard's injured knees are a big reason why the Giants added Martellus Bennett in free agency.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was four courses short of a degree in education when he left for the NFL. An associate dean at Miami (Ohio) University said Roethlisberger had picked up the remaining credits over the last several years, and Roethlisberger graded this weekend, nine years after leaving school.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Congratulations to Roethlisberger here. He seems to have his life on the right track now after getting married and graduating college.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to terms with free-agent WR Tiquan Underwood (Patriots). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Underwood was released by the Patriots last week after they signed veteran WR Jabar Gaffney. He's only 25-years old but has been used more as a return man than as a WR. Tampa Bay has a thin WR corps so Underwood will compete for a roster spot with guys like Dezmon Briscoe and Sammmie Stroughter.

Dallas Cowboys wide receivers coach Jimmy Robinson said the team hopes they have their No. 3 wide receiver on the roster now and will not have to add someone in free agency but nothing will be known until training camp begins. Head coach Jason Garrett indicated WR Kevin Ogletree may be considered the frontrunner for the job entering camp because of his experience but is not a clear frontrunner.

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to terms with third-round draft choice QB Russell Wilson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Wilson is an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on. If he was 6'3" instead of 5'10" he could have been a first-round pick because of his accuracy, arm strength, and athleticism. He'll likely develop behind Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson this year.

San Francisco 49ers WR A.J. Jenkins will participate in the team's upcoming rookie minicamp after originally saying he probably would miss it because of his graduation. Jenkins will be moving to the Bay Area and will work out at the team's facility on a daily basis. His agent said Jenkins will sign an injury waiver to participate in all of the workouts.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Jenkins was a surprise pick to some at the end of the first-round in the 2012 NFL Draft. He's a fast WR with great route running ability, good hands, and the concentration to catch passes over the middle. He'll compete for playing time with new additions like Randy Moss and Mario Manningham in training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers believe QB Alex Smith can improve his accuracy by working to fix two mechanical flaws they have found. The team thinks Smith can especially improve his throws outside the numbers if he corrects his flaws. The first flaw is that Smith locks his left leg as he strides during his throwing motion. The second flaw is sometimes he veers off to the right when he is supposed to take a straight drop back.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The 49ers have added plenty of talent to the passing game for Smith. Randy Moss and Mario Manningham were additions in free agency. Rookie WR A.J. Jenkins was added at the end of the first-round in the 2012 NFL Draft. We'll see if Smith can make the most of his opportunity this year as the 49ers eye a run at the Super Bowl.

Washington Redskins WR Leonard Hankerson (hip) said he is on schedule in his rehab from offeseason hip surgery. He is expects to be ready for the start of training camp.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Hankerson should be the starting WR opposite Pierre Garcon. Josh Morgan and Santana Moss will compete for the starting slot WR position. With rookie Robert Griffin III at QB the Redskins will have a deep strike offense. Hankerson isn't incredibly fast but his size and ability to box out defenders could make him a favorite target for the young QB.

New England Patriots RB Danny Woodhead is expected to be the third-down running back for the team this season.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Woodhead will compete with newly acquired Joseph Addai to be the team's change of pace back behind Stevan Ridley. The addition of Addai also puts a dent in the potential production from second-year RB Shane Vereen.

Jones is making his way around the league looking for the right fit. He's already met with the Panthers and the Ravens but has not signed any deal. The Bengals have some talented but inexperienced WRs on their roster and could use a guy like Jones.

New York Jets QB Tim Tebow could have an extensive role on special teams this season. Special teams coach Mike Westhoff didn't reveal his exact plan, but he called Tebow a 'more potent Brad Smith,' with an ability to make a difference on special teams.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Tebow will be used in a number of different ways other than just QB. The Jets are excited to use him as a gadget player and he could end up starting this year if Mark Sanchez struggles.

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III practiced taking snaps from center Sunday, May 6. Head coach Mike Shanahan watched from the opposite sideline, and will work to tailor the offense to Griffin's skill set. 'One thing that the NFL is not used to is a quarterback with his type of speed and his type of throwing ability,' Shanahan said. 'I think we can do some things that people haven't done.'

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Griffin is a very talented player, with a strong arm and great accuracy on bucket (downfield) throws. He needs to work on his footwork when dropping back after working out of the shotgun during his time in college at Baylor. We expect Shanahan to use a lot of bootleg passes this year to take advantage of Griffin's athletic ability.

Washington Redskins LB Brian Orakpo said he is fully recovered from the surgery he underwent this offseason to repair a partially torn pectoral muscle.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Great news for the Redskins here. After tearing his pectoral muscle in week 17 last year Orakpo is back at full strength. He'll continue to wreak havoc on opposing QBs in 2012 and could best his sack total (9) from 2011.

Baltimore Ravens FS Ed Reed said the loss of LB Terrell Suggs (Achilles') will hurt the defense because opposing quarterbacks will hold on the ball longer since they will not be worrying about Suggs. '[Quarterbacks] might try to hold it now longer cause they know Terrell is not there, but like I said [LB Paul Kruger] and those guys are going to step up and make plays,' Reed said. 'We are going to miss Terrell ... but we are going to have to cover a little bit longer. We are going to get together as defensive backs and talk about some things now that we know the situation with Terrell going down. You know you gotta get things situated going forward.'

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Suggs will be a great example of how a team works together. The Ravens DBs are great but they've no doubt been made better by the linebackers and defensive line. Should be interesting to see how this plays out.

San Diego Chargers LB Melvin Ingram is expected to make an immediate impact this season as a pass rusher.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The Chargers need Ingram to be everything that Larry English hasn't been so far. Ingram will be used in a number of different ways, including lining up on the Defensive Line. His one mission will be to wreak havoc on opposing QBs.

Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips expects even bigger things from his unit in 2012 - even after DL Mario Williams signed with the Buffalo Bills. Phillips believes players like LB Brooks Reed and DL J.J. Watt will be better with a year of experience in his system, and the Texans reloaded the defense by drafting LB Whitney Mercilus and DL Jared Crick. 'They're all really good players,' Phillips said. 'We can be awfully strong.'

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Williams was only able to play 5 games for the Texans last year and they got along fine without him. We expect Reed and Watt to continue their strong play in 2012.